Trophy Interlocking Connector

ABSTRACT

The present invention to provide a trophy assembly that can be assembled quickly and easily by using a connection insert in the base and optionally in top attachments that eliminates the need for the threaded rods and associated hardware of conventional trophy assemblies. 
     It consists of a tubular column having molded or extruded ribs positioned longitudinally and circumferentially around the inside surface that are slotted to engage clips in a base connection (or top) insert; abuse (or top) connector insert (mounting ring) that is generally circular and cylindrical, dimensioned such that the outer cylindrical sidewall is substantially equal to the diameter of a recess cut into the trophy base The connection insert has interference members that project outwardly from that cylindrical surface to provide an interference fit with the sidewall of recess when the insert is pressed into the recess in the base. 
     It is also methods of assembling trophies using the assembly above described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority of the provisional applicationSer. No. 61/985182 which was filed on Apr. 28, 2014, the figures anddisclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to trophy assemblies having tubular columns,bases and top structures (typically figurines) sold by awards dealersand typically used to commemorate sports victories and otherachievements.

2. Background

Typical conventional trophy assemblies such as illustrated in FIG. 8hereof comprise a base, a lower lid, a column, an upper lid and a figureor other structure symbolic of the achievement or award. Larger trophyassemblies may comprise additional columns mounted to create multi-leveltrophies with the figure on the top with other decorative elementselsewhere in the assembly. Historically, trophies utilizing columns havebeen assembled using threaded rods that run through the base, the lowerlid, the column, and the upper lid, and then attach to the figure usinga coupler. A nut is then used to secure the base to the rod and compressthe base, lower lid, column, upper lid, and figure together, therebycreating a rigid assembly.

The conventional threaded rod design has several disadvantages. Onedisadvantage is that the nut, threaded rod, coupler, and lids (the“hardware”) contribute more than about 50% of the number of componentsof a typical small trophy. This impacts the cost and weight of the finalassembly, increases inventory and freight expenses, and requiressubstantial space for inventory. More importantly, assembling even thesmallest of such trophies is a labor intensive process, typicallyrequiring many discrete steps, including rotations and alignments ofcomponents. Accordingly, the average awards dealer must incur high laborcosts, often necessitating the hiring of part time employees and paymentfor numerous overtime hours, to repeatedly complete this laboriousprocess in order to have a sufficient number of awards ready in time forawards ceremonies during peak season. These disadvantages ariseprimarily from the structural design being based on threaded rods andcompression for structural rigidity.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,496 (incorporated by reference in its entirety)discloses a trophy assembly having a base with an integral lower clipstructure, a column with interior column ribs, in which the lower clipis adapted (as by slots) to engage the column ribs, thereby joining thebase and the column when the column is placed over the clip and rotated.The patent discloses a plastic base for use in a trophy assembly havinga base and a column, wherein the base has in integral clip structureadapted to engage slots on the interior surface of the column. Further,the patent discloses a similar means to attach a figure (or otheradornment or structure) to the top of a tubular column for use in atrophy assembly. The patent is restricted to having a connectingstructure made as an integral part of a plastic base. U.S. publishedapplication 2009/0146025, for which U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,496 is acontinuation-in-part discloses basically the same system but with theattachment structure being a non-integral component attached to the baseby a variety of means. Since the patent disclosure requires an integralconnection of the attachment means to the base it is limited to plasticbases and plastic bases represents only about 45% of the market. Thepresent invention provides attachment means to work with the remaining55% that uses wooden, marble and composite bases.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a trophy assemblythat can be assembled quickly and easily by using a column design andinterlocking base and top attachments that enables the column itself tobecome a structural element that holds the assembly together, therebyeliminating the need for the threaded rods and associated hardware.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a method ofassembling trophies that eliminates the need for steps involving the useof a threaded rod, such method comprising selecting bases, columns, andupper members or figures, forming slots in the column ribs, and joiningthe base, column and upper members together by rotating the columnmember onto clips so that the clips engage the ribs. Other objects andadvantages of the present invention are made clear to those skilled inthe art by the following description of the presently preferredembodiments thereof. The present invention can reduce the number ofparts needed by 50% or more and reduce the time for assembly by 50% ormore.

Fewer parts and saving in labor cost provides major advantages for tassembly and methods of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention eliminates the need for almost all of the hardwarecomponents needed for conventional trophy assemblies and is far lesslabor intensive. Additionally it allows a trophy column to be connectedto a trophy base that is formed from wood, marble, plastic, polymer,composite materials or other appropriate materials.

In some embodiments the invention is a method of assembling trophiesusing the assembly components above described

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of the trophy connectioninsert of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the trophy connectioninsert of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates another top perspective view of the trophy connectioninsert for a column top structure of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the trophy connectioninsert for a column top structure of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the trophy connection of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the trophy connection of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the trophy connection of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a trophy employing the connection insert of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a prior art trophy assembly;

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of the flexible tab in a firstposition of the present invention prior to insertion of a column;

FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional view of the flexible tab in a secondposition of the present invention after a column is inserted;

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of the trophy connection in asecond position with the column pushing down on the inside edge of thetabs;

FIG. 12 illustrates a sectional view of the trophy connection insert ina first position before complete insertion of the column;

FIG. 13 illustrates a connection insert positioned between the base anda column;

FIG. 14 illustrates a column having internal ribs with slots.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is, in broad scope, a trophy assembly comprising a tubularcolumn having molded or extruded ribs positioned circumferentiallyaround the inside surface that are or may be slotted to engage clips ina base (or top) connection insert; a base (and/or top connection insert)connection insert that is generally circular and cylindrical,dimensioned such that the outer cylindrical sidewall is substantiallyequal to the diameter of a recess cut into the trophy base (such as thatshown in FIG. 3 of the U.S. published patent application 2009/0146025incorporated herein by reference for all purposes). The connectioninsert outer surface or ring has interference members, tabs, thatproject outwardly from that cylindrical surface when a column isinserted to provide interference fit with the sidewall of the baserecess. The base recess is also configured to be sufficiently deep tofully receive the cylindrical sidewall of the connection insert with alip or flange that engages the periphery of the cylindrical sidewall ofthat recess. The interference members form a jam fit to retain theinsert in place within the recess. The recess may also have a slot inthe sidewall to mate with a matching projection on the sidewall ring ofthe connection insert for rotation alignment.

The connection insert may also be suitable include a plurality ofopenings spaced circumferentially about the cylindrical sidewall eachcontaining therewithin a deflectable tab having a portion affixed to thecylindrical sidewall, and a deflectable portion, extending inwardly ofthe inner surface, such that insertion of a suitably dimensioned columninto the connection insert will deflect each of the tabs radiallyoutwardly to provide additional interfering engagement with thecylindrical internal sidewall of the recess. These tabs may be ribbedwith ridges and are similar to the engagement of tabs (for example item,32) of clip member (item 30) in FIGS. 3 and 7 of the U.S. 2009/0146025Publication (incorporated by reference for all purposes). The connectioninsert is structured so that when the column is rotated (twisted) slotsin the column ribs will engage clips in the connection insert and makethe assembly secure. A similar attachment means may be provided for atop structure of a trophy with the clips in the connection insertarranged an opposite direction from those of the base insert so thatwhen the column is inserted in both the top structure insert and baseinsert and rotated, both the bases and top of the column engages theirrespective insert clip connectors. The term “connection insert” usedherein and in the claims means the assembly and structure describedabove and in description of Figures below.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the Figures. Referringto FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates top and bottom perspective views of thetrophy connection insert 100 (base insert) of the present invention. Thetrophy connection insert 100 may be formed from a relatively rigid butsomewhat flexible material such as rubber, plastic or other suitablematerial. ABS polymer is very suitable. The trophy connection insert 100includes an outer cylinder sidewall (ring) 103 which extends around theperiphery of the trophy connection insert 100 and will preferably have aretaining flange 105 which may extend continuously around the top edgeof the cylinder sidewall 103. The retaining flange 105 facilitatesstabilizing the cylinder sidewall ring 103 in order to prevent thecylinder sidewall 103 from deforming when the insert is inserted into arecess in the trophy base. The flange also covers the visual gap betweenthe base and the connection insert.

The trophy connection insert 100 will include a pair of diagonal walls111 which may extend across the trophy connection 100 to connect to theinner surface 109 of the cylinder sidewall ring 103. The diagonal walls111 are substantially perpendicular in order to support the cylindersidewall ring 103. Spring clips (column-retaining clips) 114 and 113 arespaced around the inside of the insert. There will be at least two butmay be as many as six. Four are preferred.

The spring column-retaining clips (or arms such as 113 and 114) areconfigured so that when a trophy column is inserted into the connectioninsert and rotated the clips will slide into slots (described below) onribs of the inside column wall. The clips are sized and configured toflex slightly upward when the column is inserted and they have a slopedfront end to facilitate insertion into the column rib slots. As shown,clip 114 is somewhat different from the 113 clip. This is to provide alocking mechanism for the connection insert to the column. The 114 cliphas a cutout slot on the underside. Only one such locking clip (114) isshown and is generally one is all that is needed but more than one maybe provided.

There is a cutout (178 in FIG. 5) in the underside of 114 to provide alocking means. When a column is inserted and rotated the unconnected endof 114 is lifted slightly and when the column is rotated further thecutout in 114 moves over the column slot and drops into the slot,effectively locking the clip into place. The cutout (178) is desirablylocated adjacent the back side of the 114 clip to provide a rotationstop for the insert clips—when the slot in the column ribs reach thisstop further rotation is blocked. To reverse this locking mechanism, asmall aperture (opening) is drilled through the bottom of the trophybase up through the base recess in a location such that a probe (such asa stiff wire) may be pushed up into the aperture to push the clip 114upward. With the clip pushed upward, the column may be rotated (counterto the locking rotation), effectively unlocking the column from the baseconnecting insert. The bottom surface of the lower spring clip 114 mayalso include a recess (as the circular 172 of FIG. 5) for receiving theprobe so that when the release probe is inserted through the base toengage the lower spring clip, the clip recess (172 in FIG. 5) assist inpreventing slippage of the probe off its engagement with the lowerspring clip. This locking mechanism prevents the base and column fromseparating in use and allows a quick and easy means to disconnect thecolumn from the base. It will be appreciated that for this assembly towork properly there needs to be means to insure that the insert isplaced in precisely the correct location in the base. A suitable meansis to provide a slot in the walls of the base recess area and a matchingprojection, 171 in the Figures, on the outer walls 103 of the connectioninsert. Thus, the insert can only be placed into the base recess whenthe insert projection and the recess slot are mated. This also aids inpreventing rotation of the column in the base insert. Generally onerecess slot (172) and projection (such as 171 will be sufficient butmore may be added as desired.

The outer surface of the cylinder sidewall 103 includes axial bars 115which engage the base recess walls to form a frictional/compression fitbetween the connection insert and the base recess walls.

The connection insert 100 may also include flexible tabs 117 which arerecessed with respect to the outer surface of the cylinder sidewall ring103. These flexible tabs extend downward from the retaining flange 105and have axial ribs 119. The flexible tabs 117 are pushed outwards whenthe trophy column is inserted into the connection insert. When theflexible tabs are pushed outwards by insertion of the trophy column,they engage the trophy base recess walls to form an additional frictionfit by the axial ribs 119 and the trophy base. Ribs or ridges on thetabs also facilitate and strengthen the friction fit.

The combination of the friction of the bars 115 of the sidewall 103 ofthe insert and the tabs 117/119 provide a secure attachment of theconnection attachment to a base and allows bases made of any material tobe easily and efficiently joined to a trophy column.

The trophy connection insert 100 includes diagonal parts 111 whichextend across the trophy connection 100 and connect to the inner surface109 of the cylinder sidewall ring 103. The diagonal parts 111 aresubstantially perpendicular in order to support the cylinder sidewallring 103. The diagonal parts 111 are connected to curved arms (springclips) 113. The arm, (spring clips) 113 and 114 are spaced around theperiphery of the cylinder sidewalls 103 and have a top surface and areinclined at the unconnected end to facilitate engagement with the columnrib slots. These clips are upwardly and downwardly flexible to cooperateand engage the column slots, by being flexed down slightly on the endwhen the trophy column slots are rotated over the clips.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the trophy base connection insert 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the trophy base connection insert100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the trophy base connection insert 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates the retaining flange 105, the cylinder sidewall ring103 and the flexible tab 117 with ridges 119 which can pivot and whichis shown in a non-extending position within the a cylindrical sidewallring 103 as before the column is inserted.

FIG. 10 illustrates the retaining flange 105, the cylinder sidewall ring103 and the flexible tab 117 with ridges 119 which can pivot and whichis shown in an extending position (as when a column is inserted) andwhich is recessed within the a cylindrical sidewall 103.

FIG. 11 illustrates the trophy base connection 100 in a second positionjust after a column is inserted with the ridges engaging a surface ofthe base recess.

FIG. 12 illustrates the trophy base connection insert 100 in a firstposition just before a column is inserted.

FIG. 7 illustrates the trophy base connection insert 100 positionedbetween the trophy base and the trophy column 165.

FIG. 8 illustrates a conventional trophy assembly that uses rods,coupler and a nut to secure it.

FIG. 7 illustrates a trophy base column having internal axial ribs 130with slots 131.

FIG. 7 illustrates a trophy 300 which may include a figurine 161. Thefigurine structure can have a top connection insert built-in or it canbe connected to a lid such as in 163 of FIG. 7 that has a top connectioninsert built-in. In one embodiment the lid will include on its undersidea connection insert substantially similar to that described above forinsert 100 for the base connection insert. The connection can also be asillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 where the reference numbers correspond toparts of FIGS. 1A and 1B but with 200 series rather than 100 series(thus 214 in FIGS. 2 and 3 corresponds to similar part 114 in FIGS. 1Aand 1B and so forth). While the lid or top structure may be recessed onthe underside to receive a top connection insert in the same manner asthe base connection insert, the top connection insert structure may beotherwise attached or molded into the top lid or structure in which casethe tabs and ribs on the sidewall ring of the connection insert will notbe needed. The clips in the top lid will be preferably be oriented inthe opposite direction from those of the base connection insert so thatwhen the base and top are assembled together with a trophy column asingle rotation of the column will engage rib slots in the top andbottom of the column simultaneously. In general it will not be necessarythat the top connection insert have a locking clip such as described forthe base connection insert clip 114 of FIGS. 1A and 1B but it may do soif desired.

For multicolumn trophies it is important that the top connection insertclips are oriented in the opposite direction from those on the baseconnection insert as shown by the comparison of FIGS. 1A and FIG. 2where the clips are directed in opposite direction—that is as minorimages of each other. If the clips of the top and bottom insert wereoriented in the same direction (such as both being like 100 in FIGS. 1Aand 1B) it would not be possible to attach the tops of the columns byrotating the columns. So while the top connectors for single columntrophies may be configured as in FIGS. 1A and 1B or as in FIGS. 2 and 3,they cannot be so configured for use in multicolumn trophies. The topconnection inserts for multicolumn trophies can be inserted intorecesses on the underside of the top structure (lid) or can be moldedinto the underside of a top structure (lid). The upper surface of thetop structure (lid) can have a centrally located connection insertrecess so that a single column can be mounted and topped off with afigurine or the top structure can have a multiple of connection insertsthat allow addition of another level of columns and then another topstructure (lid). In this manner, the final height and appearance of thetrophy can be controlled by the dealers and end users design choices.They may also be attached to a lid having the connection insert attachedto its underside, in which case the figurine structure will be attachedto the lid with threaded bolt and nut (through a hole in the center ofthe lid) or otherwise attached such as by having the lid molded into andas a part of the figurine structure or attached by adhesive. FIGS. 19,23, 24 and 28 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,496 and the associated descriptionin the specification show useful details of multiple column trophies.These figures as is all the figures and disclosure of U.S. Pat. No.8,353,496 are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that they are many means to attach a figurinestructure to a lid having a connection insert.

In one embodiment the lid may have column/figurine attachment andoptionally a snap-in configuration on the top of the lid for attachingfigurines. In such an attachment there are generally two arms (clips)that enter column rib slots thereby locking the lid to the top of acolumn, and there are two incline planes with recessed areas to grab theribs of the column(s). When rotated onto the top of a column usingsignificant force, the incline planes temporarily change the roundcolumn into an oval shape until the column rib slots fall into place.The lid is then locked onto the top of the column. A figurine can beattached to the lid by a nut and bolt assembly or any other suitablemeans. In another embodiment the top structure may be a lid without afigurine attached. It may be merely a lid to close off the top of thetrophy column(s) or it may be a lid adapted to receive a figure or otherstructure or adornment such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,520(the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference for all purposes).

An embodiment of the trophy column with internal ribs (ridges) ridges isshown in FIGS. 7 and 14 where the column 165 has internal ribs 130 andslots 131. The slots may be precut in fixed length columns and the ribsmay only extend from top and bottom of the column a sufficient distanceto accommodate the slots (the size and length determined by theconfiguration of the connection inserts to be used. However, it ispreferred that the ribs extend the entire length of the column, so thatelongated columns may be cut to size as needed, thus reducing thenecessity of an inventory of various size columns. The slots willgenerally be the depth of the height of the ridges (as shown in FIGS. 7and 14).

The slots in the column ribs may be cut by any suitable means but it isdesirable that a specially adapted machine be provided to facilitatefast and accurate cutting of the slots. The column may be constructed ofplastic or suitable polymer material or metal such as aluminum that isextrudable. Polymer material (plastics) are more easily extruded andtherefore preferred. More details of suitable column construction aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,496, (see for example FIGS. 2-6 and theassociated description in the specification). The disclosure and figuresof U.S. Pat. No. 8, 353,496 are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. In U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,496 the column (with reference numbersto Figures of the patent) is described as:

“Column 120 is preferably an extruded plastic column, which mayconveniently be made from styrene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS), but which can also be formed from a variety of other plastic andnon-plastic materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art,including, without limitation, aluminum and similar metals. Column 120may be manufactured in a variety of lengths, which may then convenientlybe cut to the size needed for a given trophy application. While anyconvenient column size may be used, columns of between two and 24 inchesin length are typical.

Column 120 is generally hollow and has two opposed ends 121, 122 and aninside surface 123, Column 120 is preferably in the form of a generallycylindrical, hollow tube, adapted to fit over clips 140 and 540 (shownin FIGS. 25),160 and 170 (shown in FIGS. 16-17), 190 (shown in FIG. 20),200 (shown in FIG. 21), 210 (shown in FIGS. 19), and 570 (shown in FIG.27) such that column 120 can be rotated about clips 140, 540, 160, 170,190, 200, 210, 560, 570. Although not illustrated, it will be understoodby those of ordinary skill in the art that column 120 may alsoconveniently have a cross section that is ellipsoidal, triangular,octagonal, or in many other configurations known in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3. 6, and 7, column 120 may conveniently be formedof extruded plastic with at least two, and preferably four, continuous,inwardly and longitudinally extending interior ribs 124 running thelength of interior surface 123. Ribs 124 may conveniently be evenlyspaced around interior column surface 123, but may also be arranged withuneven spacing if so desired. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, column120′ may be formed from extruded or molded plastic having ribs 124′affixed to, i.e., attached or formed on interior surface 123′, but onlyproximate to column ends 121′ or 122′, but is otherwise substantialidentical to column 120. In another alternate configuration, shown inFIG. 5, column 120″ may be formed from a central member and inserts 121″and 122″ adapted to fit either partially or entirely (not shown) withincolumn 120″, thereby allowing for creation of column members of anyconvenient length, without requiring ribs running the entire length ofthe column. In such a configuration, inserts 121″ and 122″ mayconveniently have ribs 124″ formed on, or attached to, their insidesurface, and may conveniently be attached to a central member viaadhesive, friction, or any of a variety of other methods known in theart, It will also be apparent to practitioners of ordinary skill in theart that ribs 124 may be formed via a variety of methods includingextrusion, adhesive attachment, forming indentations in the outersurface of columns 120 or inserts 121″, 122″, removing material frominterior surface 123, and other methods known in the art, and that ribs124 may be of a wide variety of shapes including without limitationsubstantially rectangular (as shown), semicircular (not shown),trapezoidal (not shown), or made up of a plurality of individualprotrusions (not shown). Ribs 124 may be of any convenient size andconfiguration suitable to engage lower clips 140 and 540, and upper lips160, 170, 190, 200, 210, 560, 570, Herein, each time column 120 isreferenced, it is understood that embodiments of any of columns 120,120′ and 120″ may be utilized,

“Column” as the term is used herein may also include what is termed inthe industry as a “riser”. A riser is a decorative component thatgraphically depicts generic victory, specific sports, winning rank suchas 1^(st), 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) or perhaps the year of the event. The bottomend of the riser is identical in shape and size to the bottom edge of acolumn. The top surface of the Riser either has a bottom connectioninsert mounted into it so that a user can mount another column into thetop of the Riser or there may be a lid mounted into the top surface sothat a figurine can be mounted on top. Risers can be oftentimes utilizedas substitutes for columns. For example, a user can connect a Riser tothe top of the base, and then mount a figurine directly on top of theRiser to complete the trophy.

The present invention also includes methods of assembling a trophy as isillustrated in FIGS. 7 and as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,520 (thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference for all purposes). Oneembodiment of the method includes assembling a single-level trophy suchas the trophy shown in FIG. 7 and comprises the steps of selecting abase member and a suitably sized and dimensioned connection insert (suchas 100 in FIGS. 1A and 1B). Additionally the base is routed or otherwisecut provide a suitable recess and optionally a positioning slot in theside wall of the recess and a probe aperture from the bottom side of thebase to the recess area. Subsequent steps comprise selecting a trophycolumn having at least one inwardly and longitudinally extending ribelement, and cutting slots into rib elements, such that slots areadapted to be engaged by clip members of the connection insert. Ifdesired, additional slots may also be cut into ribs at the top of thecolumn such that the additional slots are adapted to be engaged by of afigurine member or lid. However, it is noted that upper members such asfigures may also be attached to the trophy assembly by other means,thereby eliminating the need for an upper connection inserts. Remainingsteps comprise placing the column over clip member in the connectioninsert and rotating the column until lower clip member fully engages thecolumn slots, whereby the base member and column member are joinedtogether, and then attaching an upper member such as a figure or lid. Ifan upper member (as a figure) is to be attached by means of an upperconnection insert, the attachment may be completed by placing the uppermember over top of the column column and rotating the upper member untilupper clips of the top connection insert fully engages the top columnslots. A single rotation will connect both the base and top member ifthe connection inserts are properly configured with clips facing inopposite directions as described above.

Another embodiment of the method involves assembling a trophy with aplurality of columns and at least one upper member, and comprises thesteps of selecting abuse member, cutting a suitable recess and optionalprobe holes and positioning slot(s). Columns having at least oneinwardly and longitudinally extending rib element may then be selectedand column slots may be formed within rib element proximate to each endof each column such that slots are adapted to engage clips in both thebase and top the connection inserts. Subsequent steps comprise placingcolumns into the connection inserts, placing the tops of the columnsinto the connection inserts in the top member and then rotating thecolumns, whereby the base member, top member, and columns are joinedtogether.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show essential differences between the assembly of thepresent invention and prior convention assemblies—the present inventionin FIG. 7 and the prior art assemblies in FIG. 8. As can be seen theprior assemblies require a rod with threaded ends (so it a fixed lengththat requires a large inventory of rod sizes to accommodate differenttrophy heights), washers, nuts, couplers, lids and spacers. These partsand the labor involved in connecting them are not necessary with thepresent invention.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional stepsmay be added to the above embodiments of the assembly and method andthat other obvious orderings of the steps, including steps involvingpre-attachment of clips to base members and upper members, are alsoeffective and within the scope of the present invention,

it is to be understood that this description is to be considered only asillustrative of the principles of the invention and is not to belimitative thereof, as numerous other variations, all within the scopeof the invention will readily occur to others. Thus, while the inventionis susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specificembodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawingsand are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however,that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended tolimit the invention to the particular forms disclosed.

1. A trophy assembly comprising a base, a hollow tubular column, and anconnection insert receivable into a recess in the base, wherein thecolumn has a first column end, an opposed second column end and alongitudinally extending central axis and an interior column surfacehaving a plurality of inwardly and longitudinally extending ribs affixedto interior column surface and being configured and dimensioned to bereceived within connection insert; the base has an upper surface and alower surface, with the recess being formed into its upper surface, thebase recess having an annular surface and a bottom surface spaced fromthe base upper surface, the annular surface being generally normal tothe base upper side and extending from the base upper surface to therecess bottom surface; and wherein the connection insert comprises amounting ring and a column-retaining clip, the mounting ring comprisingan annular ring including a lower portion having an external annularsurface dimensioned to be inserted as a press fit into the base recessand an internal annular surface of the ring to receive insertion of oneend of the tubular column; the column-retaining clip comprises a slopedunsupported end and a lower stop; the column ribs each have a slot lyingin a plane that is generally normal to central axis and proximal thefirst column end, the slots being configured and dimensioned such thatthe column retaining clips engage the slots when the first column end isplaced over the column-retaining clip and rotated; the stop isconfigured and dimensioned to engage at least one of the ribssubstantially upon column-retaining stop contact the slots; and wherebythe base and the column are joined, the lower stop resistsover-rotation.
 2. A trophy assembly according to claim 1, wherein theconnection inserts further comprises; at least one radially deflectablepressure tab extending radially inwardly of the internal ring surface,such that insertion of the tubular column within the ring will deflectpressure tab radially outwardly, the pressure tab or tabs having asupport portion and an unsupported end portion extending generallyradially outwardly of the support portion and being dimensioned suchthat, when a tubular column is inserted, the unsupported ends aredeflected to extend outwardly of ring external annular surface tocontact the base recess wall surface to effect an interference fitbetween pressure tabs and base recess annular surface, whereby a rigidfit is provided between the base recess and the ring and its insertedtubular column.
 3. The trophy of claim 2 further comprising a pluralityof pressure bars spaced circumferentially about the insert mountingring.
 4. The trophy assembly of claim 1 wherein there is a slot cut intoat least one sidewall of the base recess and a mating projectionattached to the sidewall ring of the connection insert that fits intothe recess slot so that the insert can only be inserted into the recesswith the insert projection fitted into the base slot, thus ensuringcorrect and consistent orientation of the insert into the base.
 5. Thetrophy assembly of claim 1 wherein the mounting ring has an upperportion comprising a flange extending radially outwardly of said ringlower portion and dimensioned to engage the portion of said base uppersurface surrounding said base recess to prevent further axial insertionof said base recess.
 6. The trophy assembly of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the column-retaining clips has a cut-out section in its undersideand is configured and dimensioned such that upon rotation of column, thecolumn-retaining clip with the cutout section is deflected by one ofribs, and is released after passing the rib slot on the engaged columnrib when the column is rotated, and thus resists reverse rotation. 7.The trophy assembly of claim 6 further comprises an aperture extendingthrough the base lower surface and the recess bottom surface, theaperture being positioned to provide access to a column-retaining clipwith a cutout section from below the base through the aperture, wherebya release probe may be inserted through the aperture from below the baselower surface and into the recess to engage and deflect upwardly thecolumn-retaining chip, whereby the column may be released fromconnection insert and base by inserting probe, and rotating the column.8. The trophy assembly of claim 6, wherein the underside surface of thecolumn-retaining clip with a cutout section includes a probe recess forreceiving the probe, whereby, when the release probe is inserted throughthe base it will fit into the probe recess of the column-retaining clipwith a cutout section thereby ensuring proper location of the probe. 9.The trophy assembly of claim 1, further comprising a figure or figurine,wherein figure or figurine has an connection insert attached to theunderside thereof, and the connection insert has clips that areconfigured and dimensioned to engage at least one of column rib slotswhen the figure is placed over the column second end and rotated,whereby the column upper end and the figure are joined.
 10. The trophyassembly of claim 9 further comprising a trophy top structure having arecess to accept a connection insert, or having the clip portion of aconnection insert without the side bars or tabs attached to itsunderside to enable attachment to the top of the column or having a lidwith a recess on its underside to accept a connection insert, or havingthe clip portion of a connection insert without the side bars or tabsattached to its underside to enable attachment to the top of the column.11. The trophy assembly of claim 1, further comprising a column lid,wherein the column lid has a connection insert without the side bars ortabs affixed to the underside thereof, and the connection insert has aclip configured and dimensioned to engage at least one of column ribswhen the lid is placed over column second end and rotated, whereby thecolumn upper end and the lid are joined.
 12. The trophy assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the lid has means for attaching other structuresthereto.
 13. A method assembling a trophy having a base with a recessedopening in the top side, a tubular column having ribs disposedlongitudinally on the inside surface with slots cut into the ribs at aposition proximate the column end, comprising; inserting a connectioninsert into a recessed opening in the trophy base; inserting the columnlower section into the connection insert, the recess and column diameterbeing configured and dimensioned such that when the column is insertedit forms a compression fit of the insert into the recess; and rotatingthe column to engage slots in the column ribs with spring clips in theconnection insert.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprisingproviding a top structure having a top connection insert attached to theunderside thereof, the connection insert having clips orientated in anopposite direction from the connection insert of the base insert,inserting the top of the column into the top connection insert; androtating the column to engage slots in the column top and bottomsections to engage clips in the base and top connection inserts.
 15. Themethod of claim 13 wherein the connection insert comprises; at least oneradially deflectable pressure tab extending radially inwardly of theinternal ring surface, such that insertion of a tubular column withinthe connection insert will deflect the pressure tab radially outwardly,wherein the pressure tab have a support portion and an unsupported endextending generally radially outwardly of the support portion and beingdimensioned such that, when a tubular column is inserted, theunsupported ends are deflected to extend outwardly of ring externalannular surface to contact the base recess wall surface to effect aninterference fit between engaging element and base recess annularsurface, whereby a rigid fit is provided between the base recess and thering and its inserted tubular column.
 16. The method of claim 13 whereinthere is a slot cut into at least on sidewall of the base recess and amating projection attached to the sidewall ring of the connection insertthat fits into the recess slot so that the insert can only be insertedinto the recess with the insert projection fitted into the base slot,thus ensuring correct and consistent orientation of the insert into thebase.